The Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) announced on 4/6/09 that the rate on their program would be lowered to 5.50%. Using this rate based program, buyers can use one of two add on programs to assist with the down payment on the home purchase. Call me for information regarding the 2.5% Grant or 3% loan. If you can purchase the property without down payment assistance, you may want to consider the OHFA Mortgage Credit Certificate Program, because it could have a better rate than the 5.50% and also give you up to $2,000 in Federal Income Tax Credits for as long as you own and occupy the property.